Obesity

Back Pain and Obesity

Many people know that obesity contributes to the development of heart disease, diabetes and bowel cancer. However, are you aware that obesity is a contributing factor to back pain? Being severely overweight or obese can significantly contribute to symptoms associated with conditions like osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis.
The lumbar spine is the region of the spine that is most vulnerable to the effects of obesity with lack of exercise and muscle tone leading to poor flexibility and weak muscles in the back, pelvis, and thighs.

This increases the curve of the lower back causing the joints of the lower spine to almost touch and rub together, causing wear and tear. This can also lead to poor posture and other regions of the spine particularly the cervical spine (neck) may become damaged.

Obesity may aggravate an existing low back problem and lead to your problems returning.

If you are severely overweight or obese, then losing weight or at least increasing your abdominal tone will help to resolve you back problems, so don’t worry your Osteopath will be able to help you with your discomfort.